Berne-Knox-Westerlo policy on Halloween costumes

High school and middle school students who wear inappropriate costumes to school this year at Berne Knox Westerlow CSD will be sent to the office, where they will have to change.

The school district allows students in all grades to dress up and express themselves on Halloween provided the costumes do not distract and or offend others in the school environment.

On this special day it is common to see dark figures lurking in the hallway as if they’re on a set for a scary movie, or parades of youngsters frolicking through the parking lot, showing off their big green Hulk muscles or delicate fairy wings.

But this year, students wearing inappropriate, offensive or otherwise risqué costumes will be sent to the office where they will have to change into something more appropriate . If these students have no other clothes to wear, the main office will provide them with a BKW T-shirt.

According to Tom McGurl, BKW high school principle, inappropriate costumes are ones “that do not follow the dress code,” such as outfits that are too revealing.

Alternative school costume. Photographed by Abby Swint

In previous years, students wearing inappropriate costumes tailored for adult gatherings were allowed to strut the hallways as if they were bathing suit models. Students this year contemplating dressing up as a risqué adult nurse or one of Charlie Sheen’s Goddesses may want to reconsider.

Students also can’t wear anything that covers their face, such as masks or bandannas – a new rule implemented because of problems last year.

An eighth-grader, who was known for aggressive behavior, went prowling through the school hallways with a bandanna wrapped around his face as if he was a bandit, causing alarm to some who crossed his path.

The National Junior Honor Society holds an annual Halloween costume contest, making members partly in charge of deciding whether costumes are appropriate or not. The costumes have to follow the school dress code and can’t be too short, too revealing or too provocative.

“It is important to have standards so there aren’t distractions caused during class,” explained Mr. Service, a ninth grade history teacher at Berne, who is in charge of the annual school costume contest. ” Halloween is great but things still need to get done.”

A couple of seniors were asked whether they were going to come to school dressed up and participate in the costume contest, “Yeah, of course, this is our last Halloween in high school, why not go all out.” Another classmate responded, “Oh yeah, I’m dressing up as Kesha.”